How to clear upper lip melasma? (photo)

Question

I have melasma on my upper lip and can't seem to exfoiliate it away or get rid of it, tried IPL it helped but didn't complete, also my face doesn't go in the sun. Only fake tan if I need colour and even that shows up the "moustache" really bringing me down dealing with this, ANY treatment with proven results please advise. I'm devastated by this, it's so ugly and unfeminine... thank you so much

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question, Melasma needs a combination approach to get the best improvement and will need a series of treatments. In our practice, we combine Clear + Brilliant, peels, microneedling/PRP, Aerolase, and sometimes Erbium (Cool Laser) to get the best results. See an expert for a formal evaluation. Best, Dr. Emer

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hello, Melasma is a condition which requires multiple steps and treatments to effectively improve the condition consistently over time.  In our office, here are steps which are effective:
-Pico lasers- The best type of laser for improving the condition.  Please note it takes multiple steps to improve melasma safely
-Nd:YAG Nano lasers with toning- Here a laser is used for deeply resistant melasma to break up particles without generating excessive heat
-Melanage peels- A variety of peels can work and melanage is one of the best for melasma
-Skin topicals- A variety of products including use of lighteners (we prefer natural lighteners such as arubtase found in our product Luminoso) as well as sunscreens can help improve the condition
-Lifestyle choices-Avoiding the sun, hormonal changes (we have a hormone expert in Dr. Chughtai in our office) can all impact melasma.
While melasma is common, patients must understand a multi pronged approach is often the best strategy and controlling this condition.
Best, 
Anil Shah MD

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Start with Melarase AM and Melarase PM creams followed by Clear and Brilliant laser to help with the pigmentation on the upper lip.Best, Dr. KaramanoukianLos Angeles

David Stoker, MD · Answer

One of my favorite treatment options for melasma is Cosmelan.  It is a treatment regimen that uses Hydroquinone and Retin A to target this stubborn pigment.  An in office evaluation is best to create a patient specific treatment regimen for your particular melasma.Best of luck

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

I recommend that you apply the appropriate creams to the entire face. 
Cysteamine is a strong agent and may cause hypopigmentation especially in daark skin.

Melasma treatments are lifelong and should be tailored for each patient.
Melarase is a great regimen to add or a Brightening Kit in its entirety.
I also recommend that you add one of two of these oral supplements for pigmentary control: Scler-X PIH Relief Complex from VenaSmart or Pigmentation Correction Complex from KareSkin.
You will need wide spectrum UV protection with SPF 30+ sunblock as well. 
H Karamanoukian MD FACS

How to clear upper lip melasma? (photo)

Answers (8)